English Civil War - Royalist or Parliamentarian? Who fought for whom?

Last Updated: 08/08/2014 - 17:38

From the moment that Charles I raised his standard at Nottingham in August 1642, ordinary people throughout the country were forced to choose which side they were on. In the majority of cases this choice was made for them as they simply joined the army that reached their city or town first.

Support remained much the same throughout 1642 and 1643, but during 1644 and 1645 people began to change sides.

For the King

Catholics, most of the Nobles and gentry, about half of all Members of Parliament, the poorer areas of the North and West.

Cavaliers

The supporters of the King were called Cavaliers because many of them fought on horseback. The term comes from the French 'chevalier' meaning 'horse'. Cavaliers had long hair and wore fancy clothes.

For Parliament

Puritans, the more militant Members of Parliament, merchants, the richer areas of the South and East.

Roundheads

Parliamentarians were nicknamed 'roundheads' because they cut their hair very short. They also wore very plain and simple clothes.

These maps show how Charles gradually lost control of England and Wales as the Parliamentarians gained more and more support.

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